If you are a busy person on the move, it is essential that you have items that can keep you efficient and effective. More and more of us are using a plethora of locations as workspaces so that we get the job done while being able to complete tasks such as emailing, video conferencing, social networking, and more. With my digital lifestyle, I keep at least two mobile hotspots on me at all times so I am able to get online when I need to no matter where I am. I was given a AT&T Unite Pro Wifi Hotspot to use for my honest critique and review during CES, and I put it to use right away.
One major reason why I am so hotspot obsessed is because using public wifi scares me. I was hacked while using public wifi back in 2011, and vowed never to let that happen again. From then on, I’ve stayed equipped with at a mobile hotspot device and I’ve even used my phone to tether for bandwidth. The problem with that, though, is it can eat up your data plan and cause a hefty bill. Having a mobile wifi hotspot that is separate from your smartphone makes it easy to use and doesn’t interfere with your phone usage. And now that they are mainstream, they are more affordable than ever.
The AT&T Unite Pro Wifi Hotspot was simple to setup and initiate service. I was given a free month of service to try it out, and I was rather impressed with the 4G LTE speed. I was able to do most of the tasks I do while on the go without any trouble. I updated my blog, uploaded and downloaded photos and other files, sent emails, checked social media, and I even streamed a few videos. The speed was impressive, and I was pretty much working at the same capacity I was work while in my home office.
The battery life for the device was okay. I got about 5.5 hours of straight usage time before the battery started to die out. There is a battery boost option which can improve battery life, but I didn’t see much of a battery extension once I used it. Of course if you are by an outlet and can stay powered up, this won’t be an issue. (Edit- per my contact, I was told that the battery boost doesn’t boost the battery of the device but for your phone. As for the 5.5. hours I received of battery life, I was told that that is abnormal as I should’ve gotten 16 hours at the minimum. Not sure why I experienced that, it could’ve been set on dual-band wifi)
I was less than pleased with the 1 GB plan (which was the largest plan available to me). With the top amount of data capped at 1 GB, I ran out of service pretty quickly (there are many other mobile hotspot plans out there that are cheaper and have more data). And at $49.99 (for the device), it does require a 2-year contract. For those of you (like me) who aren’t a fan of contracts, this can be a negative. You can, however, get a no-commitment price of $199.99. But compared to other devices and service providers, this is a little steep, as there are plenty of no-contract deals out there. (Edit, after reading my review, my contact wanted me to know that the $50 was the plan I was given for the review. Their plans start at $50 for 5 GB, which still is higher than the current one I am using with T-mobile which is $20 for 5 GB. I also have a Verizon MIFI at $29 for 5 GB. Current A&T customers with MobileShare can add the Unite Pro to their current plan for as little as $20 per month)
The device is sleek and very user-friendly, and much more visually appealing than my other mobile hotspots. But I don’t mind sacrificing style for substance—a girl like me does a lot of work online. 1 GB can’t cut it. And I want to get more bang for my buck.
So, in summary, the AT&T Unite Pro Wifi Hotspot is an awesome mobile wifi hotspot that offers excellent 4G LTE service. But with the price points, I don’t see the value in it. $50 a month for 5 GB of data, even on a reliable speedy network, seems too expensive. But if you are already an AT&T MobileShare customer, then it would be something to definitely consider.
To learn more about the AT&T Unite Pro Wifi Hotspot, click here.
This is not a sponsored nor compensated post. The opinions expressed belong to me and are not indicative of the brand/company mentioned.
Photo credit: NETGEAR
That’s interesting. I use Netzero and it’s $50 a month for 8 GB. I’m not at all impressed with their customer service.
I didn’t even consider looking to T-mobile or Verizon. The AT&T Device doesn’t have a pretty cool look.. But just like most of their services, it’s too steep for me, not when I have other options.
Great review!
There are so many mobile wifi hotspots to choose from. Like I said before, if you are already an AT&T customer, then the Unite Pro is perfect. But if not, there are many options out there. I would say go with your current wireless provider since you already have an account with them and they are more likely to cut you a deal with a bundle. That was the case with Verizon and -mobile, since I was already a customer.
Since you experience with the hacking, I don’t use public wifi either. I just have my cell as a hotspot and it does work your battery down and quick. I use my Mophie when I travel but still. I will have to check out my options for wifi hotspots outside of my iPhone. Thanks for the honesty.
I’m a little late to the party here, but is there any reason why this couldn’t be used with a Tmobile account once off contract? Or the GoPhone Version which is almost the same. They appear to be AirCard 770S from Netgear?
The Tmobile Device from Samsung is less than the Pro but more than the Gophone Unite. But it’s so much more convenient to use and in size than the Tmobile Samsung unit.